Bring water to a boil. Dice a clove of garlic and add to the water with the cardamom pods. Now add the lentils (do not add salt, otherwise the lentils will not become soft).
Puree the ginger with the rest of the garlic and some water to make a paste. Melt the butter in a second saucepan and add the diced onions. After about 15 seconds, add the ginger and garlic paste. After 30 seconds, fry the remaining spices along with the salt. After a minute, the seasoned butter can be set aside.